ABSTRACT

Paediatric scurvy is uncommon in the modern age but cases have been reported in children with neurodevelopmental issues and restricted dietary habits. The broad clinical picture is frequently overlooked as primarily other systemic diseases are considered first leading to extensive investigations and delay in diagnosis. A 4-year-old boy with autism and bilateral lower limb pain and refusal to walk is reported. His restricted diet and radiographic findings were highly suggestive of scurvy which was confirmed by the extremely low levels of ascorbic acid. Treatment with ascorbic acid replenishment and maintenance resulted in remarkable improvement. This case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in at-risk children so as to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations and procedures.

摘要

小儿坏血病在现代并不常见，但在患有神经发育问题和饮食习惯受限的儿童中已有报道。广泛的临床情况经常被忽视，因为主要是其他全身性疾病被认为首先导致广泛的调查和诊断延误。报告一名患有自闭症和双侧下肢疼痛和拒绝行走的 4 岁男孩。他的饮食限制和放射学检查结果高度提示坏血病，而极低水平的抗坏血酸证实了这一点。用抗坏血酸补充和维持治疗导致显着改善。这个案例强调了对高危儿童进行高度怀疑以避免不必要的侵入性调查和程序的重要性。